The High Court in Harare has ruled in favor of the United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) President Elisabeth Valerio, in her fight for nomination to stand as a candidate in this year’s elections.
Valerio, who is running for the highest office in the land, had her initial nomination rejected by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) after she reportedly failed to pay the US$20 000 nomination fee.
This prompted her to file the case at the High Court, arguing that she had made the payment on time.
The ruling makes Valerio the only woman running for President in this year’s harmonized elections.
Gender activists and other female politicians have applauded the ruling, saying it has given women a chance to stand in the male dominated political arena.
“As women in Zimbabwe we are very happy that the judgement came to her favor,” said LEAD president Linda Masarira. “Atleast justice has been served.”
Masarira, who is also challenging the decision by ZEC to reject her own nomination papers said the ruling by the High Court is “a baby step towards gender equality in politics.”
Aspiring ZANU PF Member of Parliament for Chikomba West Tatenda Mavetera said the High Court ruling showed that the judicial system was not captured.
She added that the ruling has widened the democratic space in politics.
“Our judiciary has proven that they don’t look at any political affiliation we applaud them for that,” she said. “For us we should applaud such gestures to show that we have a free democratic space and the judiciary that does not look at any color or type.”
Executive Director for Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE), Hellen Kadirire said the decision by the High Court is a welcome development in women’s participation in political and leadership processes and a step in the right direction towards gender equality.
“We appreciate the decision made by the courts and pray that similar judgements will be passed for women who wanted to take part in the August elections,” she said.
Kadirire also said the ruling has portrayed a judicial system which respects the law.
“Not only gender has been respected but the law as well. We stand firmly rooted in our quest to have more women contest and occupy leadership positions in Zimbabwe.” said Kadirire.
Prior to the ruling, The Election Resource Centre (ERC) had released a report showing the decreasing level of women participation in politics, with a special focus on the number contesting in this year’s elections.
According to the report, 10.6% females were to contest for parliamentary seats, 14.3% for local government seats and 0% for President.
